somatostatin

noun so·mato·stat·in \ sō-ˌma-tə-ˈsta-tᵊn \

Definition of somatostatin

: a polypeptide neurohormone that is found especially in the hypothalamus and inhibits the secretion of several other hormones (such as growth hormone, insulin, and gastrin)

Recent Examples of somatostatin from the Web

Specifically, the peripheral nerve damage seemed to deactivate a type of interconnected brain cells, called somatostatin (SOM) interneurons, which normally dampen pain signals.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Scientists come up with neural mechanism—and possible fix—for chronic pain," 27 June 2017
These include parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SOM), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-expressing interneurons.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Scientists come up with neural mechanism—and possible fix—for chronic pain," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'somatostatin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of somatostatin

somat- + Latin status (past participle of sistere to halt, cause to stand) + English ¹-in; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1973

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

somatostatin

noun so·mato·stat·in \ sō-ˌmat-ə-ˈstat-ᵊn \

medical Definition of somatostatin

: a polypeptide neurohormone that is found especially in the hypothalamus, is composed of a chain of 14 amino acid residues, and inhibits the secretion of several other hormones (as growth hormone, insulin, and gastrin)